Frontierland is disappearing behind construction walls piece by piece at Magic Kingdom Park, as Walt Disney World Resort presses forward with a massive transformation tied to the upcoming Piston Peak National Park.
What's Coming to Frontierland
The project traces back to D23 Expo 2024, when Walt Disney World Resort unveiled plans for two major Magic Kingdom additions: a Disney Villains land situated “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad” and Piston Peak National Park within Frontierland itself. Building the latter required closing the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat back in 2025.
Piston Peak National Park draws inspiration from both the natural beauty of America's national parks and the Cars franchise. The area will include two new attractions, officially named at D23 Expo 2026: Cars Ridge Run Rally, a road-race-style ride, and Miss Fritter's Daredevil Spin-Along, a family-friendly attraction introducing a new audio-animatronic character named Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore.
Disney has yet to announce a grand-opening date for the new land, though construction has visibly accelerated in recent months. That progress has already led to the closure of the Westward Ho Refreshments and Big Al's kiosks, both of which have been cleared to make room for the project.
The Boardwalk Disappears Entirely
On Wednesday, WDWNT reported that the entire wooden boardwalk running through Frontierland is now blocked off. While half of the walkway had already been closed since early July, construction walls now cover the path in its entirety.
These barriers stretch along the former Rivers of America, running from Liberty Square all the way to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad on the opposite side of Frontierland. The walls are decorated with signage referencing nearby attractions, including one reading “This Here's The Wildest Ride In The Wilderness!”
Despite the closure, the boardwalk isn't disappearing for good — it's expected to become part of Piston Peak National Park once the new land opens. Walt Disney World Resort hasn't said when guests can expect the walkway and surrounding area to reopen.
Has the construction in Frontierland impacted your recent visit to Magic Kingdom Park? Tell Disney Fanatic about your experience in the comments!
